Thoughts about Rome and NW GA? (Atlanta, Cartersville: real estate, travel, job)

[frow13]

My wife and I are moving to the area this summer after I took a job in Rome. On the interview we had the chance to travel through Rome and poke around Cartersville a bit.

We keep hearing stories of Rome being a town on the rise, but it seems like it has been chronically "on the rise" without quite making it. I think another post likened it to "a first round draft choice that never panned out."

There are allegations of a Best Buy and Target coming to Rome within 3 years, and I believe there are developers who have recently been given (or will be given soon) 2 million dollars to revitalize the downtown area. I dig the baseball stadium and like that there is an ABA team there. We're not fans of the Starbuckization of every town in America, but we like having some decent restaurants, a little music, stores open past 9pm--SOMETHING TO DO!! I know Atlanta is not that far away, but I hear most Romans prefer to travel to Chattanooga as it is more laid back and has all the staples.

Searching through real estate and with the economy, we know we can get a pretty good deal on a house anywhere in NW GA.

Do you think Rome has or is about to turn the corner? Any other "up and comers" in NW GA that we might consider?? We like places where for the most part people of all types get along, there is a low chance of people stealing our stuff, and there is a good vibe...

[frow13]

BUMP

Any help? Don't think I offended and I have read some of the past threads along the same lines and feel my questions are a little different. Thanks for any responses...

[goozer]

I like Rome. I think it is a nice mix of the the modern and the country. You've got Berry College up there which gives it a bit of a college town feel. You've also got an authentic "Georgia" vibe that seems to be lacking in most of metro Atlanta. In terms of where else to live in NW Georgia, Rome is kind of the "big city" up there, although some people who work there are drawn to Cedartown and Cartersville. I don't necessarily think that Rome is going to set the world on fire anytime soon and grow into a major economic engine in the state, but I don't think it is on the down slope either.

[Katsmeeyow]

We (husband and myself) are moving to Rock Spring, GA in April. I simply love the whole Walker County/Dade County area! It is kinda rural, but within 20 minutes of Chattanooga! Beautiful place! Close to Chickamauga, Ft Oglethorpe, Lafayette, etc.....

We own our own business and do not have kids at home, so we can move pretty much wherever!

Hope you find a great place!

[NWMetroAtl]

Frow13, I can't really be much help with any plans on tap for the city. Most folks I know are "from" Rome with fond ties to it of course. They are all good people! I have heard of plans for new commercial retail development in Adairsville, though no time frame. I have always been fond of Rome on my trips to and through it I have enjoyed the area. Best of luck with your move.

[frow13]

Thanks everyone for the tips!! We'll be in Rome the first week in April to do some househunting--hopefully take in a Rome Braves game. Hope you're having a good week!

[imaginec]

I am a single mom. I moved here last May from west Tennessee.. Soon as school is out I am outta here. I made a terrible mistake moving here. Rome is not a good place to live in my opinion..

[southgeorgian]

To post #7, what specifically do you not like about Rome? Is this dislike just Rome or the area surrounding? We are looking at all of NW Georgia for a possible move and exploring others likes and dislikes so your opinion will be very helpful.

[gamom73]

Originally Posted by NWMetroAtl

Frow13, I can't really be much help with any plans on tap for the city. Most folks I know are "from" Rome with fond ties to it of course. They are all good people! I have heard of plans for new commercial retail development in Adairsville, though no time frame. I have always been fond of Rome on my trips to and through it I have enjoyed the area. Best of luck with your move.

I worked in Rome from 2003 to 2005. I felt that it was lacking in terms of shopping, and having worked in a field that took me all over north Georgia...I found Cartersville to be the most progressive in terms of retail and housing development. Cartersville is commutable from Rome and there are stores like Kohl's and Target.
And most friends that I have from Rome, seem to never leave when they grow up. True Romanites!
I got a more progressive vibe from Bartow County, Cartersville in particular.

[Bellaroma]

Can you give some details as to why you don't like Rome? I'm planning to visit there soon and we're considering retiring there. We're a family of three and my daughter will be 15 when we take early retirement. We're just looking for the simple life, but we still want basic conveniences and access to good medical care. Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated.